Why is it in News?
→ Time-bound mercy petition procedures under BNSS highlighted.
→ Clarification on presidential clemency powers.
Important Points
- Mercy petition is constitutional remedy for convicts.
- President’s power under Article 72.
- Governor’s power under Article 161.
- President’s power includes court-martial cases.
- BNSS, 2023 governs mercy petition procedure.
- Petition to be filed within 30 days after Supreme Court dismissal.
- 60 days allowed in cases with multiple convicts.
- Central Government examines and forwards recommendations.
- No time limit for President’s final decision.
- President’s decision declared final under BNSS.
- Courts cannot review merits of mercy decisions.